How is the Federation adding value to its members? Background: Intergraf´s enquiry to member federations in spring 2005 (Managing the Future of national Printing Industry Federations) experiences in Finland
Common trends in European countries –amount of companies decreases –amount of personnel decreases –total wages and membership fees decrease –amount of personnel in federations stabilized or decreasing – demands increasing
Differences employers federation / trade federation different demand of services e.g. from small vs large companies one office vs areal offices young vs old industry – different situation in different countries
Common interests increase the number of members – representativeness, income increase (preserve) interest of current members – by means of (new) benefits, value added services etc, based on identified needs. Federation is a ”meeting place”, discussion forum with active working groups (networking) continuously updated strategy process – visions, forecasts, technology changes, consumer needs and habits etc
Core business of the Federation 1.development of general agreements and negotiation procedure (wages, other costs for work, working conditions, flexible working times) and help in legal questions 2.business operating conditions and competitive strength of the companies (lobbying, education and trainig, environmental issues, R&D, image of the branch) and 3.information for members
Supply of services varies considerably, some federations have all- inclusive membership fee, some have a variety of pay services, (e.g. publications, courses, projects, legal services, consulting in environmental questions etc) challenges: value for money for members, changing branch of industry, globalisation, demand for more services for less costs more commercial services organisational structures in federations changed in several countries
Future trends and strategies listen to members focus on key issues based on members´ needs in the labour market: general agreements, flexible working times, education and training, legal consulting trade organisation: image of the industry (marketing), consultancy in business legal issues and environmental issues, education and training for skills and competence, globalisation, new pay services gaining new members
Future trends co-operation with other (industry) federations and organisations – redefining limits of the branch, lobbying, R&D programs, funding, housing promote networking also within the branch – for real co-operation – the members are the federation
Key words focus add expertise watch costs